What’s it all about? Let this You Tube video give you an introduction to what can be expected by preparing for and receiving the strengthening of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation.
For those enrolled in the preparation for this sacrament, the learning’s intention is to deepen one’s relationship with God and His people. Sessions begin and end in prayer. The Scriptures are broken open. Church history is examined. Stories of the saints are read, and how their intercession help us today is discussed. Learning how to discern God’s continuing call to grow in love, service and holiness is also stressed. Continued baptismal grace and an outpouring of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to live as Christ’s disciples in today’s world are the ongoing result.
How we do it in OLOL: Confirmation preparation is reserved for students in grades 8 or higher. It is a 2 year preparation period. We offer a Summer Intensive preparation: registered youth use a diocesan approved curriculum to learn, discuss and live the faith over 5-10 days for 5.5 hours per day. For the remainder of the year, they need to complete monthly assignments and perform service to the Church and community. This allows for reception of the Sacrament in the fall, after the 2nd year of summer intensive. It is hoped that all Confirmands will continue to learn about God through weekly Mass participation, group activities, personal prayer, Bible reading , observance of the Commandments, practice of the Corporal & Spiritual Works of Mercy and active participation within OLOL. We show we love God through service within the family, Church and community. Get the Confirmation registration form here or by email request or by stopping in at the parish center.
The Diocesan Guide on Confirmation can be found here
Another way of explaining Confirmation can be found here
Very early, the better to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands. This anointing highlights the name “Christian,” which means “anointed” and derives from that of Christ himself whom God “anointed with the Holy Spirit.” This rite of anointing has continued ever since, in both East and West. For this reason the Eastern Churches call this sacrament Chrismation, anointing with chrism, or myron which means “chrism.” In the West, the term Confirmation suggests that this sacrament both confirms and strengthens baptismal grace. (CCC 1289)